Robert A. Musiala

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Crypto Market Data Published; Digital Assets RFI Issued; BIS Addresses DeFi; NY DFS Issues Crypto Guidance; SEC Brings Crypto Actions; FBI Addresses Hacks

By Amos Kim, Veronica Reynolds, Lauren Bass, Christopher Lamb, Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén and Joanna F. Wasick on January 27, 2023 Posted in Cryptocurrency

In this issue: Reports Address Crypto Ownership, Stablecoins and Dapp Adoption By Amos Kim Recent reports provide new data on various areas of the digital asset market. In one report, a survey published by a cryptocurrency trading platform found “a significant rise in crypto ownership among young women.” Among other things, the survey found that … Continue Reading

US Crypto Exchange Consents to $100M DFS Settlement for AML Compliance Failures

By Jonathan A. Forman, Teresa Goody Guillén, Christopher Lamb, Keith R. Murphy, Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Joanna F. Wasick on January 23, 2023 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

On January 4, 2023, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) announced that Coinbase, Inc., a major U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, will pay a $50 million penalty and invest an additional $50 million in its compliance function over the next two years to remediate significant violations of the New York Banking Law and the … Continue Reading

Paper Touts DeFi FX Benefits; New Stablecoin Launched; DAO Toolkit Published; BIS Addresses Crypto Risk; SEC, FinCEN, and DOJ Bring Enforcement Actions

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén, Christopher Lamb, Amos Kim, Keith R. Murphy and Joanna F. Wasick on January 20, 2023 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue:• Paper Explores Benefits of DeFi for FX; Australian Bank Launches Stablecoin• World Economic Forum Publishes DAO Toolkit; ETH Staking Continues to Grow• New BIS Bulletin and Thailand SEC Regulations Address Digital Asset Risks• SEC Charges U.S. Crypto Lender and Exchange with Securities Law Violations• FinCEN and DOJ Bring Parallel Actions Against Foreign-Based … Continue Reading

Data Published on Crypto Exchange Volume, NFT Royalties, Crypto Crime; Crypto Adoption Continues; DOJ and CFTC Bring Multiple Enforcement Actions

By Robert A. Musiala, Amos Kim, Joanna F. Wasick, Teresa Goody Guillén and Christopher Lamb on January 13, 2023 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue:• New Data Published on 2022 Crypto Exchange Trading Volume, NFT Royalties• Blockchain Development Firm Integrates Avalanche with Major Cloud Provider• Governments of El Salvador and Nigeria Take Steps Toward Crypto Adoption• DOJ Enforcement: NFT Rug Pull, Insider Trading, Crypto Fraud and Theft• CFTC Action Alleges Digital Asset Market Manipulation on DeFi Exchange• … Continue Reading

Crypto Products Launch; NFTs Allowed for Political Fundraising; Bank Regulators Address Crypto Risk; DOJ/SEC Target Crypto Fraud; Scams Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Christopher Lamb, Keith R. Murphy, Joanna F. Wasick, Amos Kim and Lauren Bass on January 6, 2023 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue:• Crypto Apps Launch New Features, Custody Firm Achieves CCSS Certificate• NFTs Permitted for Political Fund Raising; Analysis Details NFT Wash Trading• US and International Regulators Address Crypto Risk Factors for Banks• Treasury Dept. and IRS Issue Transitional Digital Assets Guidance for Brokers• DOJ and SEC Actions Target Crypto Fraud and Unregistered Securities … Continue Reading

Disclosing Cryptocurrency Risks: SEC Comment Letter Puts Companies On Notice

By Jonathan R. Barr, John J. Carney, Jimmy Fokas, Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick and Lauren Bass on December 21, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Corporation Finance (CorpFin) recently issued guidance (Guidance), including a “Dear Issuer” Sample Letter (Sample Letter) to assist companies in meeting their statutory disclosure obligations in light of the recent crypto downturn. Read the full Alert.… Continue Reading

Crypto Payment Products and NFT Initiatives Launch; Crypto Market Data Published; DOJ Brings Charges Alleging Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme

By Robert A. Musiala and Christopher Lamb on December 16, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: New Crypto Payment Products Launch, Reports Publish Crypto Market Data By Robert A. Musiala Jr. A recent press release announced that MetaMask, the popular Ethereum (ETH) Network crypto wallet provider, will integrate its self-custodial wallets with a major U.S. fintech firm. According to the press release, the integration will allow U.S. MetaMask … Continue Reading

Crypto Research Published; USPTO Seeks NFT Input; SEC and FINRA Address Digital Assets; OFAC Settles with Exchange; DOJ Enforcement Continues

By Robert A. Musiala, Lauren Bass, Sydney Park, Teresa Goody Guillén, Joanna F. Wasick, Amos Kim and Christopher Lamb on December 2, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • New Research and Surveys Address CBDCs, Institutional Crypto Investment• NFTs: Government Agencies Seek Comments on NFT IP; New Marketplaces Open• Crypto DEX and Wallet Providers Reveal User Data Collection Practices• SEC Commissioner Addresses Digital Assets and Investor Protection Concerns• SEC Institutes Proceedings Against DAO; FINRA Examines Crypto Advertising• New York State … Continue Reading

Crypto Market Data Published; Settlement Pilot Announced; Reports Analyze Crypto Scams; Exchanges Seek to Prove Reserves as Users Withdraw Funds

By Amos Kim, Christopher Lamb, Robert A. Musiala and Keith R. Murphy on November 18, 2022 Posted in Uncategorized

In this issue: New Crypto Market Data Published, Blockchain Settlement Pilot Announced CFPB Publishes Report on Crypto Scams; Study Analyzes Scams on Uniswap Multiple Cryptocurrency Exchanges Intend to Publish ‘Proof of Reserves’ Users Move Crypto Off of Exchanges, Tether Freezes $47M in USDT New Crypto Market Data Published, Blockchain Settlement Pilot Announced By Amos Kim … Continue Reading

US District Court Finds LBRY Tokens Are Securities

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Joanna F. Wasick, Adam Gale, Kevin Edgar, Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Sydney Park on November 11, 2022 Posted in Alert

In 2016, crypto startup LBRY launched the LBRY network and the LBRY protocol, described by LBRY as a decentralized content sharing and publishing protocol that supports the creation of community-run digital marketplaces. The same year, LBRY offered and sold native LBC tokens to the public for the purported purpose of allowing LBRY users to compensate … Continue Reading

CBDC Report Published; Crypto and NFT Initiatives Launch; OFAC Redesignates Tornado Cash; SEC and CFTC Target Crypto Fraud; FTX Files for Bankruptcy

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds, Amos Kim, Joanna F. Wasick and Christopher Lamb on November 11, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • CBDC Report Published, Blockchain Settlement and Payment Initiatives Launch• NFT World Cup Initiative Launched, Market Actors Launch NFT Royalty Solutions• OFAC Redesignates Tornado Cash, Mixer Receives Hacked Crypto• SEC, CFTC Bring Enforcement Actions Involving Fraudulent Crypto Trading Bots• FTX Files Bankruptcy Amid Binance’s FTT Selloff and Incoming DOJ Probe CBDC Report … Continue Reading

Crypto Products and DeFi Pilot Launch; Reports Address NFT Royalties, Ethereum PoS Efficiency; IRS, CFTC, Address Crypto; Exchange Hacked for $28M

By Robert A. Musiala, Amos Kim, Joanna F. Wasick, Teresa Goody Guillén and Sydney Park on November 4, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • New Crypto Products Launch; Singapore Completes DeFi Pilot with Major Banks• Report Provides New Data on NFT Royalties and Explores Related Issues• Ethereum Efficiency Data Published; Blockchain Infrastructure Projects Launch• IRS Updates Digital Asset Guidance, CFTC Commissioner Warns of Crypto Risk• Crypto Exchange Hacked for $28M; Reports Address Ransomware, Crypto Scams … Continue Reading

New Crypto Products Launch; US Official Addresses Crypto Regulation; State Securities Regulators Target Metaverse Casino NFTs; DOJ Targets Crypto Crimes

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Keith R. Murphy and Shade Quailey on October 28, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Crypto Products Launch in Debit Cards, Payment Gateways, Trading Platforms• EU Blockchain Observatory Publishes Report on Blockchain for Supply Chains• US Banking Official Addresses Approach to Regulating Crypto-Assets• BIS Publishes Report on Progress of Multi-CBDC Platform Pilot• Securities Regulators Bring Action Against NFTs Tied to Metaverse Gambling• DOJ Charges Detail Bitcoin … Continue Reading

Major U.S. Crypto Exchange Consents to $29 Million Penalty for Historic BSA and OFAC Violations Body

By Jonathan A. Forman, Teresa Goody Guillén, Keith R. Murphy, Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Joanna F. Wasick on October 27, 2022 Posted in Alert

On October 11, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a $29 million civil monetary penalty against Bittrex, a major U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, as part of a global settlement with FinCEN and OFAC related to Bittrex’s alleged historic violations of the Bank … Continue Reading

New Crypto Services Launch for Banks, Fintechs and Staking; DOJ Targets Major Cryptocurrency Money-Laundering Scheme; Japan Warns of Crypto Hacks

By Robert A. Musiala, Lauren Bass and Joanna F. Wasick on October 21, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Crypto Developments Emerge in Payments, Trading, Staking and Accounting• DOJ Targets Crypto Money Laundering and Fraud; Japan Issues Crypto Warning Crypto Developments Emerge in Payments, Trading, Staking and Accounting By Lauren Bass This week, a global financial services and payment technology firm announced that it has partnered with a major U.S. … Continue Reading

Treasury Plans Significant Actions to Curb Illicit Digital Asset Financing

By Jonathan A. Forman, Robert A. Musiala and Christina Gotsis on October 19, 2022 Posted in Alert

As part of a coordinated effort with the U.S. Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Director of National Intelligence, and heads of other relevant agencies, Treasury developed the Action Plan to detail the evolving threats and risks facing the digital asset … Continue Reading

Crypto Products Launch; FSB, OECD Address Crypto Regulation and Tax; US Exchange Fined $24M; DOJ and SEC Actions Continue; Major Hacks Reported

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén, Keith R. Murphy, Sydney Park and Joanna F. Wasick on October 14, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

In this issue:• New Crypto Products Launch in Custody, Cloud Collaborations and Stablecoins• FSB Proposes International Crypto Regulation Framework, Solicits Comments• OECD Publishes Crypto Tax Framework; Acting Comptroller Addresses Crypto• Major US Crypto Exchange Fined Over $24M for FinCEN and OFAC Violations• DOJ Targets Crypto Money Laundering; SEC Reportedly Investigating Yuga Labs• October Sees Most … Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of the Treasury Provides a Glimpse into the Future of Money and Payments

By Joanna F. Wasick, Robert A. Musiala, Kevin Edgar and J'Naia Boyd on October 12, 2022 Posted in Alert

The Report responds to Section 4(b) of the EO and evaluates the U.S. system of money and payments, developments in stablecoins and instant payment systems, and a potential CBDC, using the following policy objectives as a guide: (1) provide benefits and mitigate risks for consumers, investors, and businesses; (2) promote economic growth and financial stability … Continue Reading

New Crypto and NFT Products Launch; Treasury Publishes FSOC Digital Asset Report; SEC Brings Enforcement Actions Against Crypto Promoters, Fraudsters

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Lauren Bass, Shade Quailey and Sydney Park on October 7, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Crypto Products Launch, Reports Detail CBDC Pilots and Bank Crypto Exposure• DAO Governing DAI Stablecoin Invests in US Treasuries and Corporate Bonds• Digital Collectibles + Physical Consumables: Brands Embrace Hybrid NFT Model• Treasury Releases Report on Digital Asset Financial Stability Risks/Regulation• SEC Brings Enforcement Actions Against Crypto Promoters and Fraudsters Crypto … Continue Reading

Crypto and NFT Firms Make Announcements; Treasury Interprets Crypto Reports; Crypto Enforcement Actions by CFTC, SEC, IRS, DOJ and States

By Robert A. Musiala, Maya Rivera, Keith R. Murphy, Alex Karambelas, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on September 30, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: Exchange Reaches Agreement to Sell Assets; New Crypto Products Launch Reports Provide New Data on Cryptocurrency Adoption and Exchange Activity Auction House Launches NFT Market; Startup Launches NFT Cloud Database US Treasury Further Interprets Reports Related to EO on Digital Assets CFTC Enforcement Action Targets DAO; SEC Targets Crypto Market Making IRS … Continue Reading

White House Outlines Key Action Items Based on EO Reports Addressing Digital Assets

By Kevin Edgar, Jonathan A. Forman, Adam Gale and Robert A. Musiala on September 29, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

On Sept. 16, 2022, the White House released a Fact Sheet providing key findings and action items arising from the nine reports addressing digital assets that have been submitted to the president to date consistent with the EO. The Fact Sheet provides a list of various directives and initiatives that the Administration plans to take … Continue Reading

NFT Initiatives Launch; OFAC Adds Crypto Public Keys to SDN List; Treasury Dept. Publishes Crypto Reports; Crypto Enforcement and Hacks Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Lauren Bass, Jordan R. Silversmith and Keith R. Murphy on September 23, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Non-Fungible Marketing: Brands Continue to Launch NFTs• OFAC Adds Crypto Public Keys to SDN List Related to Russian Group• US Department of the Treasury Publishes Digital Asset Reports and RFC• Republican Senator Criticizes SEC Approach to Crypto Markets• DOJ and SEC Target Crypto Fraud and Unregistered ‘Crypto Asset Securities’• Cryptocurrency Market … Continue Reading

Ethereum Moves to PoS; Firms Launch Crypto, NFT Initiatives; EO Crypto Energy Impact Report Published; Crypto Addressed by OFAC, DOJ, SEC, U.S. Senators

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Jordan R. Silversmith and Keith R. Murphy on September 16, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Ethereum Network Completes Transition to Proof of Stake Consensus• Crypto Exchange, Bitcoin Futures ETF Launch; Crypto Adoption Data Published• Major Coffee and Scotch Brands Launch NFT Initiatives• OFAC Adds Crypto Public Keys to SDN List, Addresses Tornado Cash Sanctions• Major U.S. Exchange Backs Lawsuit Challenging OFAC Tornado Cash Sanctions• Office of … Continue Reading

SEC Chair Stands Firm: ‘Vast Majority’ of Cryptocurrency Tokens Are Securities

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Joanna F. Wasick, Kevin Edgar, Robert A. Musiala, Michelle Tanney, Veronica Reynolds, Alex Karambelas and Jonathan A. Forman on September 9, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, White Collar

In prepared remarks delivered at the Practising Law Institute’s “SEC Speaks” program on Sept. 8, Chair Gensler emphasized and reiterated his long-standing position that the vast majority of cryptocurrency tokens are securities, and he noted that “only a small number of tokens, even though they may represent a significant portion of the crypto market’s aggregate … Continue Reading